Bose sues Apple acquiree Beats over noise-canceling headphones

Bose, the 50-year-old audio-equipment maker, has sued the Apple
acquiree Beats for patent infringement in connection with its noise-canceling technology.

The lawsuit was first reported by CNBC. A Bose spokeswoman declined to comment on the lawsuit but told MarketWatch: “The filing is comprehensive and explains our position.”

“For over 30 years, Bose has made significant investments in the research, development, engineering and design of the proprietary technologies found in our headphone,” Bose public-relations director Carolyn Cinotti said in an email.

“We are committed to protecting our investment, protecting our customers, and defending the patents we own.”

Apple could not immediately be reached for comment.

Apple announced in May that it had agreed to buy Beats Music and Beats Electronics for $3 billion. The move was seen as the next phase of the iPhone maker’s aggressive push into digital entertainment.

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